Discussing Malay Interests Not Racist, Says Ex-UMNO Youth Chief

Discussing the interests of the Malay community should not be misconstrued as playing on racial sentiments, according to former UMNO Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin. He asserted that such discussions are a natural part of Malaysia's political reality, mirrored across all political parties.

Khairy emphasized that every political party has a responsibility to voice the concerns of the communities they represent, regardless of whether the party is multi-ethnic or community-based. He deemed it unfair to label issues concerning Malay interests as racist when other parties also champion matters relevant to their respective communities.

He cited examples such as issues related to Chinese vernacular schools, the welfare of Indian workers in estates, or the interests of specific communities, noting that political parties address these without being accused of racism. "Is it wrong when we talk about things close to our community? I think all political parties, whether multi-ethnic or representing specific ethnic groups, will raise issues important to the communities they represent," he stated.

Khairy made these comments while attending an economic leaders' forum in Penang. He was responding to accusations from Pakatan Harapan (PH) Communications Director, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who claimed Khairy was using Malay sentiments to regain political footing. Fahmi suggested Khairy's remarks linking an understanding between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) as a signal for PH to be more sensitive to Malay sensitivities were unsurprising.